The Town of Okotoks is turning the CP Holiday Train's visit into a full day of festive events.

The train rolls into town on Dec. 10 and events are planned before and after it's arrival to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Live music provided by local talent will kick the day off at 11 a.m. on Daggett Street with the train set to arrive at noon.

Opening remarks from Bill Robertson, Mayor of Okotoks, will take place at 12:05 p.m. which will be followed by a performance from Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, and The Beautiful Band.

Mark Doherty, community events coordinator for the Town, says while the train itself is only in town for half an hour, they have a full afternoon of activities scheduled.

"We have our local band Haggis doing a performance from 12:45 to 1:30, then we move everything back to the Rec Centre," he explains. "The Skate with Santa is in the Piper Arena from 2:15 to 3:15... we combined the Christmas Picnic at the Piano with the Skate with Santa so the actual piano will be right on the ice."

Following the Picnic at the Piano and Skate with Santa a free public skate will be taking place until 4:15 p.m. with hot chocolate and treats.

Doherty says the day will help to bring awareness to the Okotoks Food Bank.

"The whole concept behind this is really supporting the Okotoks Food Bank, that's the whole purpose of the CP Holiday Train to support food banks throughout Canada, so there'll be a cheque presentation to Sheila Hughes with Food Bank at the end."

Residents are being encouraged to bring donations for the Okotoks Food Bank.

For the full schedule of events on Dec. 10 from the Town click here.

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